Having fired one CEO and hired another without a scintilla of public oversight, the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners may get away with ignoring the public nature of the board on which they serve ("Baltimore school board criticized for secret search for new CEO," May 4). However, they should not insult the intelligence of fellow citizens by claiming that an above-board, honest evaluation of the administration of Gregory Thornton and a properly conducted search for his replacement would have "distracted" teachers, parents and children. Under-funding, over-testing, deteriorating facilities and betrayals by leaders who promise more resources one month and renege on their promise the next — these are what distract educators and families.
By all accounts to date, Sonja Santelises is a solid choice for CEO. The public can only wish her well. But we do regret that "she was comfortable with the process [of her selection] being closed." What are the stakeholders in a public system to expect when their new leader has obtained her position through secrecy?
Jo Ann O. Robinson, Baltimore